The Department of B.Ed., Loreto College, Kolkata, organised a virtual National Reading Day Celebration programme. The virtual celebration conducted by the B.Ed. trainees on June 19, 2021 was telecast in the official YouTube channel- Loreto College Kolkata. The celebration began with the teacher trainees of the Department of B.Ed., inviting all to join in the celebration, with a famous quote by Joseph Addison, on the significance of reading as a mental exercise. The programme proceeded to celebrate the life and works of P.N. Panicker- Father of Library and Literacy Movement, who converted a simple slogan 'READ AND GROW' into a powerful movement to achieve universalization of education in the state of Kerala. The programme then provided an insight into how a Reading Day celebration observed by P.N. Panicker Foundation and the State of Kerala since June 19, 1996 gained momentum nationwide and was nationalized by Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi in June 2017. This was followed by a skit on how books can become a man's best friend and counsellor for a lifetime. The skit highlighted the importance of reading not only for pleasure but for guidance and motivation from the various inspiring literary characters, to face and overcome the obstacles of life. The celebration concluded highlighting the significance of reading for inclusive growth. A vote of thanks was delivered at the end of the programme to Sr. Christine Coutinho, Principal, Loreto College, Kolkata for her support and encouragement and Dr. Debika Guha Head of Department of B.Ed, for her constant guidance and motivation.
